3D mobile user interface with configurable workspace management

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of a 3D mobile user interface with configurable workspace management are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of a three-dimensional, multi-layer user interface of a mobile device in a mobile network. User environment may include one or more layers or levels of applications, services, or accounts that are all easily accessible to and navigable by the user. For example, an indicator can be used to access a workspace in 3D representing a category or grouping of services or applications for the user. The user can customize or create a unique, non-mutually exclusive grouping, aggregation, or category of applications, services, accounts, or items. The grouping of indicators can be used to swiftly and efficiently navigate to a desired application, service, account or item, in a 3D-enabled user environment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/319,195 entitled “ZOOM 3D USER INTERFACE,” which was filed onMar. 30, 2010, the contents of which are expressly incorporated byreference herein.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/349,345 entitled “UNIFIED ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT OF EVENTS ACROSSMULTIPLE APPLICATION AND ASSOCIARED CONTACTS THEREOF,” which was on Jan.12, 2012,the contents of which are all incorporated by reference herein.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/360,470 entitled “SINGELE ACTION ACCESS TO CONTEXT SPECIFIC CONTENTAT A MOBLE DEVICE,” which was filed on Jan. 27, 2012,the contents ofwhich are all incorporated by reference herein.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/372,145 entitled “AUTOMATIC PROVISIONING OF INSTANT MESSAGEING ANDSOCIAL NETWORKING SERVICES,” which was filed on Feb. 13, 2012, thecontents of which are all incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a user environment and moreparticularly to a three-dimensional (3D) user environment of a mobiledevice.

BACKGROUND

With increased reliance on mobile devices in meeting the demands ofdaily lives and even more so for entertainment purposes, the alreadyprevalent field of mobile applications and services continues to grow atan accelerated pace. There is no shortage of mobile ‘gadgets’ that auser can download to or access from his/her mobile device. An averageuser or consumer uses a portable device for a vast variety of functions,from checking email, texting, conducting/initiating conference calls, tofinding restaurants, tracking flight status, and the like.

However, form factor of mobile devices or other portable devices remainsa dominant factor in design goals to remain competitive in themarketplace. While screen size and resolution have increased in newergeneration devices, there remains a struggle for a user to fit andorganize all of his/her mobile ‘tools’ in an intuitive and easy tonavigate manner on a mobile device. Users face similar challenges fornon-portable electronic devices as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates examples of devices with user environments having3D-enabled user interfaces (e.g., or mobile user interfaces for mobiledevices) with configurable workspace functionalities.

FIG. 2A depicts an example diagram showing a user interface withmultiple indicators in the form of tiles which can be used to accessvarious workspaces in the user environment.

FIG. 2B depicts another example diagram showing user interfaces withmultiple indicators in the form of tiles which can be used to accessvarious workspaces in the user environment.

FIG. 2C depicts another example diagram showing multiple user interfaceswith multiple indicators in the form of tiles which can be used toaccess various workspaces in the user environment.

FIG. 3 depicts an example diagram showing multiple workspacespresentable in 3D in the user environment.

FIG. 4 depicts another diagram showing example workspaces configured forprofessional and personal functions, presentable in 3D in the userenvironment.

FIG. 5 depicts an example diagram showing navigation across workspaces.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of a userenvironment manager which provides the 3D mobile user interface withconfigurable workspace management capabilities.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart illustrating example processes through whichvarious workspaces with associated functions can be accessed in a userenvironment.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process fornavigating among workspaces shown in 3D without returning to the homescreen.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart illustrating example process for a user toconfigure a workspace for a selected function in a user environment.

FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of a computer system within which a set of instructions, forcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor, are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatsame thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significanceto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one ormore synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use ofexamples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any termsdiscussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplifiedterm. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodimentsgiven in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods of 3Duser interfaces (for mobile and non-mobile devices) with configurableworkspace management capabilities and related functionalities.

FIG. 1 illustrates examples of devices 102A-D with user environmentshaving 3D-enabled user interfaces (e.g., or mobile user interfaces formobile devices) with configurable workspace functionalities.

The client devices 102A-D can be any system and/or device, and/or anycombination of devices/systems that is able to establish a connectionwith another device, a server and/or other systems such as host server100 and/or application server/content provider 110. Client devices102A-D each typically include a display and/or other outputfunctionalities to present information and data exchanged between amongthe devices 102A-D and/or the host server 100 and/or applicationserver/content provider 110.

For example, the client devices 102A-D can include mobile or portabledevices or non-portable devices and can be any of, but not limited to, aserver desktop, a desktop computer, a computer cluster, or portabledevices including, a notebook, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, apalmtop computer, a mobile phone, a cell phone, a smart phone, a PDA, aBlackberry device, a Treo, a handheld tablet (e.g., an iPad), a handheldconsole, a handheld gaming device or console, an iPhone, and/or anyother portable, mobile, handheld devices, etc. In one embodiment, theclient devices 102A-D and host server 100/app server 110 are coupled toa network 106. In some embodiments, the devices 102A-D and host server100 may be directly connected to one another.

The input mechanism on client devices 102A-D having 3D-enabled userinterfaces can include touch screen keypad (including single touch,multi-touch, gesture sensing, etc.), a physical keypad, or a combinationof the above. The 3D user interfaces and the configurable workspacesdisclosed herein can be actuated and interacted with using anyconventional or known input device including but not limited to physicalkeyboard, touch screen display, motion sensor, microphone, mouse, othertypes of pointer devices and any additional input device. The 3D userinterface functionality can be provided locally by the client devices102A-D and used to access applications (e.g., including mobileapplications), accounts, websites, services, documents, files, media, orany other content such as those provided by a third party host (e.g.,application server/content provider 110).

3D user interface (UI) functionality and the configurable workspacefeatures of the user environment can be provided locally by the devices102 through the mobile device manufacturer, provided through the deviceoperating system, by a network service provider, through a downloadedwidget from a third party site, network service provider, or from thehost server 100. The 3D UI and/or workspace configurationfunctionalities may also be provided and enabled on a perapplication/content basis based on the services provided by theapplication server/content provider 110 via a user environment manager.Functions and techniques performed by the user environment manager ondevices 102A-D for 3D UI rendering and workspaceconfiguration/management and the related components therein aredescribed in detail with further reference to the example of FIG. 6.

In one embodiment, 3D UI and/or workspace configuration functionalitiesare in part or in whole provided remotely to the devices 102A-D, forexample by the host server 100. For example, the host server 100 caninclude one or more user environment managers (e.g., such as thatillustrated in the example of FIG. 6) accessible over the network 106 bydevices 102 to enable 3D user interface features, such as those thatwill be described with further references to description associated withexample FIG. 2-5. The 3D rendering functionalities, when providedremotely, may be accessed by the devices 102 in the cloud. In addition,the 3D UI and workspace configured as a as result thereof, may bestreamed to the devices 102 on demand, for example, based either onlocal processes occurring on the device 102 itself or based on processesdriven by applications or services provided by the app server/contentprovider 110.

Functions and techniques performed by the user environment manager for3D UI rendering and/or workspace management/configuration, which canreside on the client devices 102 in part or in whole and/or or hostserver 100 in part or in whole and the components therein are describedin detail with further references to the examples of FIG. 2.

The network 106, over which the client devices 102A-D, the host server100, and/or app server 110 communicate, may be a cellular network, atelephonic network, an open network, such as the Internet, or a privatenetwork, such as an intranet and/or the extranet, or any combinationthereof. For example, the Internet can provide file transfer, remote login, email, news, RSS, cloud-based services, and other services throughany known or convenient protocol, such as, but is not limited to, theTCP/IP protocol, Open System Interconnections (OSI), FTP, UPnP, iSCSI,NSF, ISDN, PDH, RS-232, SDH, SONET, etc.

The network 106 can be any collection of distinct networks operatingwholly or partially in conjunction to provide connectivity to the clientdevices 102A-D and the host server 100 and may appear as one or morenetworks to the serviced systems and devices. In one embodiment,communications to and from the client devices 102A-D can be achieved by,an open network, such as the Internet, or a private network, such as anintranet and/or the extranet. In one embodiment, communications can beachieved by a secure communications protocol, such as secure socketslayer (SSL), or transport layer security (TLS).

In addition, communications can be achieved via one or more networks,such as, but are not limited to, one or more of WiMax, a Local AreaNetwork (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), a Personal areanetwork (PAN), a Campus area network (CAN), a Metropolitan area network(MAN), a Wide area network (WAN), a Wireless wide area network (WWAN),enabled with technologies such as, by way of example, Global System forMobile Communications (GSM), Personal Communications Service (PCS),Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service (D-Amps), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FixedWireless Data, 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 4G, IMT-Advanced, pre-4G, 3G LTE, 3GPP LTE,LTE Advanced, mobile WiMax, WiMax 2, WirelessMAN-Advanced networks,enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), General packet radioservice (GPRS), enhanced GPRS, iBurst, UMTS, HSPDA, HSUPA, HSPA,UMTS-TDD, 1xRTT, EV-DO, messaging protocols such as, TCP/IP, SMS, MMS,extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), real time messagingprotocol (RTMP), instant messaging and presence protocol (IMPP), instantmessaging, USSD, IRC, or any other wireless data networks or messagingprotocols.

FIG. 2A depicts an example diagram 200 showing a user interface 220 withmultiple indicators 222, 224, and 226 in the form of tiles which can beused to access various workspaces in the user environment 210.

The user environment 210 accessible on the device 202 (e.g., a mobiledevice) as shown includes a user interface 220 having indicators 222,224, and 226, each of which being associated with a workspace. Theindicators can be selected (e.g., by touch screen, keypad, or pointerselection) to view, access, or otherwise interact with an associatedworkspace. In one embodiment, each of the first grouping of indicatorsare also viewable in the third dimension in the workspace (e.g., such asscrolling through a stack of icons/tiles representing applications inthe z-direction (depth)). As further illustrated in the example of FIG.3, such workspaces can graphically be presented as having a 3Drelationship to the user interface 220. Multiple workspaces can also bedepicted in the user environment as having a 3D relationship with oneanother (e.g., as different layers shown by having different ‘depths’).

In general, the user environment (UE) 210 can have multiple userinterfaces, depicted as having a planar relationship (e.g., in the sameplane or in a single layer) with one another. As shown in the example ofFIG. 2B, the user environment 210 has multiple user interfaces 230, 240,250 each having a planar relationship with one another, or shown in thesame ‘layer’ in the user environment. Each UE can include indicators(e.g., tile 232, 234, etc.) used for accessible workspaces which can berendered in 3D (e.g., as having depth parameters). FIG. 2C depicts anexample diagram showing multiple user interfaces 230, 240, 250 as havinga 3D relationship with one another (shown in different depths) in theuser environment 210.

FIG. 3 depicts an example diagram 300 showing multiple workspaces 340,350, and 360 presentable in 3D in the user environment 310.

Each of the workspaces can be accessed by selecting the associatedindicators 322, 324, or 326 in the user interface 320. The userinterface 320 can be the home screen or any other screen. When indicator322 (e.g., tile, button, key, icon, drop down box, a list, or any othertype of user interface component, etc. able to be detected/sensed by auser) is selected by a user and detected by the system, the associatedworkspace 340 can be presented in the user environment 310, as having athird dimension (depth in the z-direction with the user interface 320 inthe z-y plane). Indicators can be visually or audibly detectable.

In one embodiment, the workspace 340 can be associated with one or moreservices (e.g., mail, chat, applications, mobile apps, etc.). Suchassociated services can have indicators in the workspace 340, which areselectable by a user to access a corresponding service. In someinstances, the grouping of services associated with the workspace 340,or any other workspaces 350, 360, and the like, can be set in default(by device manufacturer, by device operating system, by a particularservice/application, or by a network service provider, or any otherthird party), user-specified, user configured, re-configured, orre-adjusted. Specific services may be added by a user to the grouping ina particular workspace 340, 350, or 360. Each workspace may be createdby a user with all or a partially customized selection of servicesassociated with groupings of indicators.

In one embodiment, as shown in the example of FIG. 4, a first workspaceis associated with a first associated function (e.g., personalworkspace) and a second workspace can be associated with a secondassociated function (e.g., professional workspace). Such functions canbe linked by default or specified by the user. Each workspace can thusbe linked to services, functions and/or applications related thespecified function.

For example, the professional workspace 440 can be linked to a user'swork email, Linked-in account, mobile application, or work-based IM chatservices, and such services can be accessed by the user using thegrouping of indicators accessible in the user environment throughworkspace 440. Similarly, the user's personal workspace 450 can belinked to their personal mail accounts (e.g., Gmail, MSN mail, Yahoo!Mail, etc.), their personal social networking accounts (e.g., Facebook,Twitter feeds, etc.), and/or personal chat IM accounts, etc. Individualservices may be set in factory default and subsequently modified by theuser. For example, the user can add or remove individual accounts orservices for a particular workspace such that a combination of defaultservices and user-selected services are associated with a particularworkspace.

In addition, entire workspaces can be created from scratch by the user.In some instances, based on the function for the workspace specified bythe user, the system can suggest a set of services and their associatedindicators to be graphically shown when the workspace is shown and theuser can modify as desired.

Additional types of functions associated with a workspace may bespecified or defined by the user or any other third party including butnot limited to, service providers, applications, or by the deviceplatform (hardware and/or software). For example, workspace 460 may beassociated with a user's hobby, such as sports, and can includeidentifiers dedicated to the user's aggregation of services/applicationsused in association with sports (e.g., scores tracking applications,ESPN mobile, workout trackers, NBA.com, CBSSports, etc.). Workspace 460may be associated with a gaming environment that is 3D enabled.Additional functions are contemplated and can include by way of examplebut not limitation, gaming functions, academic functions, entertainmentfunctions, multimedia functions, music functions, movie functions, anonline store, an online application store, etc.

In some instances, a particular workspace (e.g., workspace 460) may bededicated to a single application, service, or function. For example,indicator 426 can be associated with the ESPN application, which whenselected causes the workspace 460 o be graphically presented in theenvironment 410. The workspace 460 can then include several indicators,each of which is selectable to access features and functionalitiesprovided by the ESPN application (e.g., which may include latest scoresin the NHL, NFL, NBA, latest trading news, playoff schedule, etc.). Theindicators, when selected, can be used to access each individualservice, which can be graphically presented in the user environment as a2D interface or another 3D environment. Any number of workspaces can bepresented in the user environment 410 with any number of them beingshown in 3D (any number of layers of workspaces can be shown in thez-direction in the user environment 410) and with any number of themshown in 2D.

Note that, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, individual workspaces 540,550, and 560 can be accessed using their respective associatedindicators 522, 524, and 526 from the common user interface 520 (whichmay be a home screen, desktop, or another screen). In addition, eachworkspace can be navigated between one another. For example, indicatorsin workspace 540 can be selected to access workspace 550 or 560,indicators in workspace 550 can be selected to access workspace 540 or560, each of which, when graphically presented in the user environment510, can be shown as having a third dimension relative to the planarinterface defined by the x-y surface. Indicators in the respectiveworkspaces can be selected to navigate to other workspaces without firstreturning to the user interface 520 or home screen, for example.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of a userenvironment (UE) manager 600 which provides the 3D user interface withconfigurable workspace management capabilities. The user environment(UE) manager 600 can include, for example, a workspace manager 602,workspace configuration module 604, 3D rendering engine 606, and/or aplatform compatibility module 608. Additional or lesscomponents/modules/engines can be included in the UE manager 600.

As used in this paper, a “module,” a “manager,” a “handler,” or an“engine” includes a general purpose, dedicated or shared processor and,typically, firmware or software modules that are executed by theprocessor. Depending upon implementation-specific or otherconsiderations, the module, manager, handler, or engine can becentralized or its functionality distributed. The module, manager,handler, or engine can include general or special purpose hardware,firmware, or software embodied in a computer-readable (storage) mediumfor execution by the processor. As used in this paper, acomputer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium is intendedto include all mediums that are statutory (e.g., in the United States orunder 35 U.S.C. 101), and to specifically exclude all mediums that arenon-statutory in nature to the extent that the exclusion is necessaryfor a claim that includes the computer-readable (storage) medium to bevalid. Known statutory computer-readable mediums include hardware (e.g.,registers, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile (NV) storage, etc.),but may or may not be limited to hardware.

In general, each of the workspace manager 602, workspace configurationmodule 604, 3D rendering engine 606 and 3D zoom module, platformcompatibility module 608, and any additional modules/engines includesany combination of software agents and/or hardware modules (e.g.,including processors and/or memory units) able to perform the respectivefunctions.

The workspace manager 602 can associate services and/or applicationsand/or features with a particular workspace. When a workspace 602 isdefined for specific functions (e.g., personal, work, gaming, media,etc.), the manager 602 manages the association of the services/apps forthe defined function of the workspace 602. In one embodiment, themanager 602 generates, identifies, aggregates, and/or depicts theindicators of the services/apps in the workspace 602. Such services/appsmay be associated with a defined function.

One embodiment of the user environment (UE) manager 600 includes aworkspace configuration module 604 which can manage, track, configure,re-configure, and re-set the workspace for a specific function (i.e.,based on any of or a combination of, device state, user definition, userbehavior, user state, service provider constraints, applicationsettings, device location, etc.). The workspace configuration module 604can modify (add, delete, reset) the apps/services accessible through theworkspace by adding or removing or other wise readjusting the indicatorswhich can be accessible in the workspace.

The configuration module 604 can also determine the placement ofindicators in respective workspaces according to any defined rules(e.g., frequency of access, type of application and/or type of service)and/or based on device default settings and/or user preferences.Configuration module 604 can also determine or configure the relativeplacement in 3D (depth or value in z-direction) of one workspace withanother workspace, based on any defined rules and/or based on devicedefault settings and/or user preferences. Workspaces can be turned on oroff based on user settings. For example, if a user is on vacation,he/she may manually configure the user environment to turn “off” theprofessional workspace for a specific number of days, or for specifichours during the day.

The configuration module 604 can internally manage and track a set ofrules (e.g., device, user, location, OS, and/or network provider based)that determines how the workspaces and the indicators aredepicted/organized/placed relative to one another. For example, theconfiguration module 604 may automatically place the professionalworkspace on as the top layer during business hours and the personalworkspace as the top layer during off hours and weekends.

Furthermore, based on location awareness, the configuration module 604may predict that a user is more likely to access certain applications.For example, if the device is outside of its home location (e.g., if theuser is traveling or driving), the configuration module 604 may place amapping function, driving directions or other location search relatedapps in a top layer workspace for ease of access. The configurationmodule 604 can place, re-configure a related workspace (e.g., a “travel”workspace) according to real-time user activities. For example, thetravel workspace may be moved to the top layer or shifted up in layersfor ease of access if the user is determined to be traveling.

Similarly, if device location indicates that a user is physically atwork, the configuration module 604 may place the user's personalworkspace in a higher layer than the professional workspace for easieraccess.

The 3D rendering engine 606 can be utilized by the UE manager 600 ingraphically presenting workspaces in a user environment as having athird dimension relative to a planar surface of the device (e.g., to aninterface in the user environment). In one embodiment, workspaces arepresented as having a third dimension via a zooming action, for example,by a 3D zoom module.

The platform compatibility module 608 can implement any of devicemanufacturer, network service provider, or device operating systemspecific features and ensure cross compatibility with the 3D userinterface. For example, compatibility module 608 can integrate anyindicators associated device features (e.g., settings, deviceconfiguration, screen settings, power settings, etc.) into a workspacefor proper 3D rendering. Additionally, module 608 can ensure crosscompatibility of 3D user interface features and/or workspace managementconfigurability features with third-party applications.

The UE manager 600 represents any one or a portion of the functionsdescribed for the individual managers/engines. The UE manager 600 caninclude additional or less modules. More or less, functions can beincluded, in whole or in part, without deviating from the novel art ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart illustrating example processes through whichvarious workspaces with associated functions can be accessed in a userenvironment.

In process 702, a first indicator in a user environment selectable inoperation of the mobile device is depicted. The first indicator isgenerally visually depicted (e.g., a button, icon, or tile) although theindicator may also be partially or wholly audible or otherwiseperceivable by a user of the mobile device. The indicator may bedepicted in a home screen in the user environment or another screen.

In process 704, the workspace is defined for a first associatedfunction. The function can be defined according to a rule, platformdefined, or based on a user's configuration. For example, the associatedfunction can be a professional function, a personal function, or anyother functions including but not limited to, entertaining, gaming,shopping, news, etc. In process 706, services corresponding to the firstassociated function are associated with the workspace.

In process 708, selection of the first indicator (associated with thedefined workspace) is detected. The selection of the first indicator canbe input by the user in any known or conventional manner, includingtouch screen (single touch, multi-touch), via keyboard, mouse, voicecommand, gesture sensing, motion detection, etc.

In process 710, the workspace in the user environment is presented ashaving a third dimension relative to an interface in the userenvironment. In one embodiment, the workspace is presented as having thethird dimension (z-depth) via a zooming action in the user environment.Indicators or icons for services such as device features, applications,or mobile applications which can be accessed on the mobile device can begraphically associated with the workspace such that they become visibleor otherwise perceivable by the user when the workspace is presented. Inaddition, the services corresponding to the first associated function isuser-defined in part or in whole. In one embodiment, each of theindicators are also viewable in the third dimension (z-direction) in theworkspace in the user environment.

In one embodiment, the workspace includes a first grouping ofindicators, each of which is selectable to access a servicecorresponding to the first associated function. The grouping ofindicators may be wholly or in part aggregated or selected by a user.The ordering and placement of the indicators in the workspace may alsobe partially or wholly configured by the user.

In process 712, selection of an indicator in the first grouping ofindicators is detected. As a result, another interface or workspace canbe depicted, which may also have the third dimension (z-depth) in theuser environment. This other interface or workspace can include anothergrouping of indicators each of which is selectable to access acorresponding service in the services corresponding to the firstassociated function. Similarly, processes 714-724 depict the flow ofrendering another workspace in 3D in the user environment.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process fornavigating among workspaces shown in 3D without returning to the homescreen.

In process 802, first and second indicators are depicted in a homescreen of a user environment selectable in operation of the mobiledevice to access a workspace.

In process 804, selection of the first indicator is detected. In process806, a first workspace is graphically presented in the user environmentas having a third dimension relative to an interface in the userenvironment. The first workspace can be minimized or shifted into thebackground when the user is not interacting with it.

In process 816, selection of the second indicator is detected and inprocess 818, a second workspace in the user environment as having athird dimension relative to an interface in the user environment. If thesecond workspace is still open, the user can navigate between the firstand second workspaces without returning to the home screen (as showndiagrammatically in the example of FIG. 5). Alternatively, eachworkspace can include a return feature (e.g., accessible by a returnindicator such as a button) allowing the user to return to the homescreen to navigate between different workspaces. In one embodiment, thefirst and second workspaces are positioned in the user environment ashaving different depths, the ordering of which can be determined basedon contextual data of the user or the mobile device.

While in the workspaces, the user can select the indicators to accessadditional interfaces or workspaces which have 3D relationships to oneanother, as illustrated in flows 810-812 and 822-824. The user can alsonavigate among subsequent workspaces with or without first returning tothe first or initial screen.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart illustrating example process for a user toconfigure a workspace for a selected function in a user environment.

In process 902, identification of mobile applications to be associatedwith a workspace in the user environment to be accessed via the mobiledevice is received from a user.

In process 904, the workspace is created in the user environment. Notethat the workspace can be associated with a specific user account and,in some instances, different workspaces having different applicationassociations are created for different user accounts on the mobiledevice. In process 906, the workspace is associated with a graphicalindicator.

In process 908, the workspace is associated with application indicatorseach associated with one of the mobile applications identified by theuser. Multiple workspaces can be created and can operate in the userenvironment, each with an associated set of mobile applications, forexample. The associated set of mobile applications selected by the useror set in default is based on a device or OS platform.

In process 910, the graphical indicator selectable by the user to accessthe workspace is depicted in the user interface. In process 912,selection of the graphical indicator is detected. In process 914, theworkspace is graphically presented in the user environment. Theworkspace can include the application indicators each of which isselectable to access mobile applications.

FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of a computer system within which a set of instructions, causingthe machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussedherein, may be executed.

In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone deviceor may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a user device, a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-topbox (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, aniPhone, an iPad, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a webappliance, a network router, switch or bridge, a console, a hand-heldconsole, a (hand-held) gaming device, a music player, any portable,mobile, hand-held device, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium isshown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shouldbe taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encodingor carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and thatcause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of thepresently disclosed technique and innovation.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer that, when read andexecuted by one or more processing units or processors in a computer,cause the computer to perform operations to execute elements involvingthe various aspects of the disclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms and that thedisclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machineor computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limitedto recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memorydevices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, opticaldisks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital VersatileDisks (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such asdigital and analog communication links.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/ormodified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed inseries, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel,or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbersnoted herein are only examples; alternative implementations may employdiffering values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further embodiments of thedisclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theteachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure underthe claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for.”) Accordingly, theapplicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing theapplication to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects ofthe disclosure.

We claim:
 1. A method for multiple service access on a mobile device,the method, comprising: depicting, in two dimensions on a mobile device,a first interface in a user environment selectable in operation of themobile device to access one or more services corresponding to a firstassociated function; graphically presenting the first interface on themobile device at a first depth in a third dimension in the userenvironment; the first interface including one or more first indicatorseach of which is selectable to access a corresponding service in the oneor more services corresponding to the first associated function;depicting, in the two dimensions on the mobile device, a secondinterface in the user environment selectable in operation of the mobiledevice to access one or more services corresponding to a secondassociated function; and graphically presenting the second interface onthe mobile device at a second depth in the third dimension in the userenvironment; the second interface including one or more secondindicators each of which is selectable to access a corresponding servicein the one or more services corresponding to the second associatedfunction; wherein one of the first interface and second interface ispartially shielded from view by the other of the first interface andsecond interface according to the first depth and second depth; andwherein at least one of the first depth and second depth isautomatically changed at a predetermined time or location of the mobiledevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first associated functionis a professional function.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein, the firstassociated function is a personal function.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein, the user environment is presented as having the third dimensionvia a zooming action.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising,responsive to selection of an indicator in the first indicators,graphically presenting a third interface as having a third depth in thethird dimension in the user environment.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein, the third interface includes third indicators each of which isselectable to access a corresponding service in the servicescorresponding to the first associated function.
 7. The method of claim5, wherein, the third interface enables access to a service associatedwith the indicator in the first indicators which was selected.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein, the first associated function isuser-defined.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first associatedfunction is platform dependent.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein, thefirst indicators are user-selected.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein,the one or more services corresponding to the first associated functionare user-defined.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first andsecond indicators are depicted in a home screen in the user environment.13. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium having storedthereon instructions, which when executed, cause a processor to performa method for multiple workspace three dimensional access on a mobiledevice, the method comprising: depicting, in two dimensions on a mobiledevice, a first interface in a home screen of a user environmentselectable in operation of the mobile device to access a first workspacethrough the user environment; graphically presenting the first interfaceat a first depth in a third dimension in the user environment, the firstinterface including first indicators each selectable for application orservice access; depicting, in the two dimensions on the mobile device, asecond interface in the home screen of the user environment selectableto access a second workspace through the user environment; graphicallypresenting the second interface at a second depth in the third dimensionin the user environment, the second interface including secondindicators each selectable for application or service access, whereinone of the first interface and second interface is graphically presentedas a top layer, partially shielding the other of the first interface andsecond interface from view, automatically at a predetermined time orlocation of the mobile device.
 14. The non-transitory machine-readablestorage medium of claim 13, wherein, the user environment is able to benavigated between the first and second workspaces without returning tothe home screen.
 15. The non-transitory machine-readable storage mediumof claim 13, further comprising: responsive to selection of an indicatorin the first indicators, graphically presenting a third interface in thework space at a third depth in the third dimension in the userenvironment; wherein, the third interface includes third indicators. 16.The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 13, whereinthe first and second workspaces are user-configured for differentfunctions including a professional function and a personal function. 17.The non-transitory machine-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein,the first and second workspaces are presented as having the thirddimension via a zooming action.
 18. A system that provides multiple workspace access on a mobile device, the system comprising: means fordepicting, in two dimensions on a mobile device, a first interface in auser environment selectable in operation of the mobile device to accessa first workspace through the user environment; wherein the firstworkspace is defined for a first associated function, the workspacebeing associated with one or more services corresponding to the firstassociated function; means for graphically presenting the firstinterface in the user environment at a first depth in a third dimensionin the user environment; the first interface including first indicatorseach of which is selectable to access a corresponding service in the oneor more services corresponding to the first associated function; meansfor depicting, in the two dimensions on the mobile device, a secondinterface in the user environment selectable in operation of the mobiledevice to access a second workspace through the user environment;wherein the second workspace is defined for a second associatedfunction, the second workspace being associated with one or moreservices corresponding to the second associated function; means forgraphically presenting the second interface in the user environment at asecond depth in the third dimension, wherein one of the first interfaceand second interface is graphically presented as a top layer in thethird dimension, partially shielding the other of the first interfaceand second interface from view, automatically at a predetermined time orlocation of the mobile device.